The pilot, Luc, has been my friend and climbing partner since 1999, his senior year in high school. We met when he asked me to mentor his high school senior exit project (the project was establishing a new rock climb). I am almost exactly 20 years older than him. Now we climb together whenever we can.

I could type paragraphs about what a fine young man he is. About how wonderful he is to climb and to hang out with. About how much my wife and daughters have always loved Luc and his wife Cassy (they were high school sweethearts).

I last saw him at he and his wife's baby shower near Christmas. He is so looking forward to being a dad. Their daughter is due in about one month.

If he doesn't come out of this, then the world is a totally, totally f#%ked place.

I don't pray. If any of you do, then please do it now. As hard as you can.

Our whole town is on edge about this. Luc and his family are well loved here. From the teachers and the students at the high school to our local news people, to anyone talking in town, everyone is hoping beyond hope that this turns out well My wife is checking Facebook a few times an hour. I'm clicking "renew" on the Aviano airbase home page every 15 minutes just hoping for good news. My older daughter has asked a me a few times now what I think. It's hard to even talk to her about it.

" we have good evidence now that Lucas was able to eject from his jet. He has really good survival gear on including a special suit and raft. He has food, water, even fishing hooks! Now we need to find him! There are hundreds of people looking for him, the Italians and US Air Force and Navy have been awesome!!!!"

The weather in the Adriatic Sea has been awful, including dense fog. There is hope.

"Luc is a self-reliant outdoorsmen who would sleep every night under the stars if he could," Cassy added. "He's a sky diver, he's a rock climber and he's a certified scuba diver. He is also a health nut and in great shape."

" we have good evidence now that Lucas was able to eject from his jet. He has really good survival gear on including a special suit and raft. He has food, water, even fishing hooks! Now we need to find him! There are hundreds of people looking for him, the Italians and US Air Force and Navy have been awesome!!!!"

The weather in the Adriatic Sea has been awful, including dense fog. There is hope.